... Print

Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Bars with Shortbread Crust

Two stacked, thick slices of rich lemon cream cheese bars showing a buttery crust and creamy filling.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make these bright, tangy lemon cream cheese bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust. This recipe is simple to follow and yields a creamy, refreshing dessert perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 large eggs (for filling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in 1 egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust.
  6. Prepare the lemon filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 eggs until smooth.
  7. Gently pour the lemon filling over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • For clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry between each cut.
  • If you want a bakery style look, dust the cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
  • This recipe makes a great lemon bar recipe with cream cheese that is easy for a crowd.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://purecookingjoy.com/lemon-cream-cheese-bars/

0 Shares
Tweet
Pin
Share